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Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Pinworms: The Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:19:43 +0000

article written by Rachna Gupta

The most common type of roundworm infection is the pinworm infection. Roundworms are basically intestinal parasites that use your body as a host to stay alive and reproduce. The microscopic eggs of the pinworm hatch inside your bodies and grow into adults that measure 13 millimeters or about half an inch. These worms mature inside the intestine and travel through the digestive system to lay their eggs in the anal area.

How Do Pinworms Spread?

An person that is infected with parasites, in most cases a child; transfers pinworms when he/she has scratched his/her bare anal area and the eggs get under his/her fingernails. Apart from this, pinworms are also spread in the following ways:

Eggs may be passed on from an infected child who has not washed his/her hands after using the bathroom and then touched a playmate or play toy.
Pinworm eggs can also be transferred from the fingers onto beddings and clothing and thus spread around the house.
These eggs can also be inhaled from the air and deposited onto food and swallowed.
The pinworm eggs are able to spread for a longer time as they are able to survive up to two weeks on clothes, bedding and other objects that are kept at room temperature.

Pinworm infections can be spread as long as either eggs or worms are present.

The Signs & Symptoms of Pinworm Infection?

If the infection is mild, then there may not be any pinworm symptoms. Most of the symptoms of parasites that are noticeable in humans, will only take place in case of moderate or heavier infections.

Some of the signs and symptoms in case of heavier pinworm infections are:

Nervousness
Irritability
Loss of weight
Difficulty sleeping
A feeling of restlessness
Itching that is concentrated around the anal area
Gastrointestinal symptoms like intermittent abdominal pain and nausea
Some girls may experience vaginal itching and irritation (vaginitus)

How is Pinworm Infection Diagnosed?

There are two methods used to diagnose pinworm infection. The first is the direct sighting of a Parasitic worm, where the adult worm is seen around the anus. The second method that is used is the tape test. This test involves the use of cellophane tape. In this procedure, a tape is pressed against the skin around the anus and then examined under a microscope. It is advisable to use this method of testing early in the morning before defecating or bathing, as the parasites typically lay eggs at night.

Pinworm Treatment Options

No treatment is usually required for mild pinworm infections. Of course, there are medicines that are almost always available for effectively eliminating the parasite. These medicines are usually prescribed for all the members of the family because children spread pinworms easily to other members. The doctor may also prescribe a soothing ointment or cream if the vaginal or anal itching is severe and interfering with your sleep.

The doctor might also remind you to keep your fingernails clean, avoid scratching the anal area and wash any potentially infected sheets and clothes.

Another common pinworm treatment method, is to do a parasite cleanse to help remove pinworm symptoms naturally.

What steps can I take to prevent pinworm infection?

To prevent pinworm infection you need to:

Wash your hands and fingernails frequently.
Encourage children to restrain from scratching their bare anal areas.
Bathe daily.
Change and wash clothes and bedding frequently.
Since the pinworm eggs continue to be present in the faces of the infected person for up to a week after the treatment, precautions should be taken keeping this in mind.

Feline Parasites: How you can protect your family pet

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:52:24 +0000

source

Veterinarians estimate that up to 45% of felines in the United States are infected with some type of parasite. Feline parasites may be worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or tapeworms or one-celled protozoan parasites such as coccidia or toxoplasma. Over time, these parasites can leech the life out of a cat, until she becomes too weakened to sustain herself. In addition, there are some feline parasite infections that can transfer from a cat to a human. Obviously, parasites in cats is not something you want your family pet to come down with.

How Do I Know If My Feline Has Parasites?

Cats that are infected with parasites may not exhibit any symptoms at all, or they may present with a variety of disconcerting conditions. Some symptoms that are common in feline parasite infections include dull hair coat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, appetite changes, and a swollen belly. If left untreated, the vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, and dehydration caused by intestinal parasites will weaken a cat’s immune system, making her more susceptible to other infections and diseases.

Most Common Types of Feline Parasites

Parasitic Worms:

Roundworms — Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati are the two most common intestinal feline parasites. Adult roundworms can reach a length of three to five inches long as they mature in the cat’s small intestines. A cat can become infected with these parasites from direct contact with contaminated food or feces. Kittens may also become infected from drinking their mother’s milk if she is carrying the worms.

If roundworms are left untreated, they will continue to multiply until their number become life-threatening to the cat. Because these harmful organisms are so large, they can cause intestinal blockage if they are present in great numbers. This type of blockage will lead to a severe case of constipation in cats. Small kittens in particular may be in serious danger if they become infected with roundworms.

A veterinarian will test for roundworm with a fecal examination. He or she will be able to detect parasite eggs in the cat’s stool during a microscopic examination. Deworming medications are usually effective at treating roundworm infections.

Roundworms can be transmitted from felines to humans. This happens most frequently in children and seniors whose immune systems may be weakened. These parasites can cause diseases such as visceral larval migrans and ocular larval migrans.

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Hookworms — Hookworms such as Ancylostoma and Uncinaria are significantly shorter than roundworms, only reaching a length of about one half inch long. Because of their small size, hookworms usually cannot be seen in the cat’s feces with the naked eye. These types of parasites can live for a long time. While it is unusual, there have been cases of hookworms living in a cat for its entire life.

Some felines can become infected by hookworms that penetrate their skin or are ingested with their food. Once inside the body, hookworms will migrate to the cat’s lungs and then on to the intestines. Severe cases of hookworm can cause anemia due to blood loss from the intestines where these parasitic worms attach themselves. Felines can die from a hookworm infection if too much blood is lost. Fortunately, hookworms are easily diagnosed with a microscopic fecal examination and treated with medication.

Like roundworm, hookworms can also be transmitted to humans. Once inside the human body, these types of parasites can cause digestive disorders as well as a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larval migrans.

Tapeworms — Tapeworms, or Cestodes, have long flattened bodies and attach themselves to the small intestine. As the adult tapeworm reaches maturity, segments of its body will break off and pass into the feces. These segments may be visible to the naked eye around the cat’s anus, or in his feces.

Tapeworm segments are white and flat and approximately one-quarter inch long. They may resemble grains of rice or sesame seeds. But even though these feline parasites may be startling to see, they are not usually seriously detrimental to the cat if they are treated quickly.

A cat may become infected with tapeworms by consuming contaminated fleas or rodents. Medications can be used to treat tapeworm infections, but steps must also be taken to reduce rodent and flea populations if re-infection is to be prevented.

Some tapeworm species that infect cats can also infect and cause diseases inside the human body. Good hygiene can reduce the risk of picking up a tapeworm infection from a cat.

Protozoan Parasites

Coccidia — Feline parasites of the coccidia species are tiny, one-celled organisms that are responsible for the disease coccidiosis. Cats can become infected with this parasite by eating or coming in contact with contaminated feces.

These feline parasites do not usually harm adult cats, however they may cause significant disease in kittens. A veterianarian can accurately diagnose this protozoan parasite and treat it with medication. Coccidia cannot be transmitted from cats to humans.

Toxoplasma — The Toxoplasma parasite is the one most commonly associated with cats. Infection with this protozoan feline parasite is fairly common, as cats can become infected by eating any of the three infective stages of the parasites. Toxoplasma may not cause any noticeable symptoms in the infected feline; however these feline parasites can be transmitted to humans. Inside the human body, Toxoplasma are responsible for the disease known as toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis attacks many parts of the body, causing serious illness and death.

It is important to note that some of these organisms found in felines, are also common dog parasites as well. If you have both dogs and cats living inside your home, be sure to have both animals checked out and treated.

article written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Dog Parasites: How to protect your family pet

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:51:32 +0000

If you have a dog, then you need to know about the different types of parasites that can affect your pets health. Dogs are the frequent victims of a number of internal parasites or worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and coccidia.

In most cases, early diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infections can prevent the development of any significant symptoms, but it is important to know what signs to look for.

Dog parasite infections may cause any or all of the following symptoms: diarrhea, weight loss, dull/dry hair, bloodly stools, and vomiting. Here is a closer look at the parasites that can affect your dog, and what you can do to keep him healthy.

Roundworms:

The two species of roundworms that can infect dogs are Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina.

Roundworms are tan or white, and they range in length from two to five inches. If a dog is severely infected with these parasites, he may vomit these parasitic worms or pass them in his stool. The worms may be visually alarming as they look like a moving pile of spaghetti.

Roundworm infections can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and uncomfortableness. If left untreated, roundworms can multiply to such great numbers that they can cause an intestinal blockage, which can ultimately, death. While death is an extreme circumstance, an intestinal blockage will definitely lead to a severe case of dog constipation. These dog parasites can also be transferred to humans where they can cause a disease called visceral larva migrans. This disease may result in inflammation of muscle tissue and blindness.

Hookworm:

Hookworms are blood sucking intestinal worms that commonly infect dogs and humans. Ancylostoma caninium is the most common species of hookworm that is found in dogs.

Hookworms are small, thin parasites that can infect a dog that walks on contaminated soil or feces. The organism will then penetrate its skin. Once inside the dog’s body, hookworms will then fasten to the wall of the small intestine and suck blood.

These types of dog parasites are smaller than roundworms, and they cannot be seen by the naked eye, but they are easily detected by microscopic fecal examination.

In humans, hookworms can cause a type of dermatitis called cutaneous larva migrans or creeping eruption. Once inside the human body, hookworms may burrow under the skin causing a linear, itchy lesion.

Tapeworms:

A tapeworm is another type of dog parasite that can be detected visually with the naked eye. These harmful organisms are transmitted to dogs via the consumption of infected fleas or meat. They are long, flat parasites that attach themselves to the small intestines. As they reach maturity, segments of their bodies will break off and enter the digestive system until they are passed in the feces or urine.

A dog owner may notice these startling parasites on the dog’s anus or in his stools. Tapeworms are generally flat and white, reaching a length of about one-half inch. They may look like a grain of rice or a sesame seed. Tapeworms cannot be directly transmitted from dogs to humans. However, small children could accidentally ingest an infected flea and contract a tapeworm infection.

Whipworms:

Whipworms, such as Trichuris vulpis are not visible to the naked eye, making them difficult to detect and diagnose. Unfortunately, this particular dog parasite is also the most difficult to eradicate and control. Symptoms of a whipworm infection include severe diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, fatigue, and poor overall condition.

Coccidia:

The dog parasite Isopora canis is a protozoan parasite, meaning that it is not a worm but a single-celled microscopic organism. Because it is so small, this parasite has relatively few nutrient needs, and it can therefore grow to great numbers in the canine body.

A coccidia infection may cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In young puppies, or dogs with a weakened immune system, this parasite can cause diarrhea that is severe enough to be life threatening.

Preventing Dog Parasites

Good hygiene and proper preventative measures are the keys to keeping your dog “parasite-free.” Many species of parasites can infect dogs that come in contact with contaminated feces. So it is important to keep a close eye on any waste your dog produces, and remove it from the yard at least once a week.

If you suspect that your dog may have contracted a parasitic infection, consult your veterinarian immediately. One type of wormer may not be effective at treating all dog parasites. When you take your dog for a walk, try to keep him away from other animals’ feces, and be sure to remove any that your own dog may contribute. Be sure to wash your hands after handling your dog to avoid transmitting a parasitic infection from your dog to yourself.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Colon Parasites: A List of Intestinal Tract Invaders

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:50:39 +0000

The colon, or large intestines, is one of the most important organs in the body. It is where your body absorbs the nutrients you get from food. This is where the body takes what it needs from the food in order to survive. It is also a depository of waste where the body drops off toxins and excess nutrients that could be harmful to the system.

It is therefore imperative that the colon is functioning properly in order for the overall health of the body to be maintained. Unfortunately, the colon is also a happy breeding ground for dangerous invaders such as bacteria, yeasts, fungus, and colon parasites. The overall amount of risks will vary from person to person, depending on each individual lifestyle and diet choices.

Intestinal parasites can be particularly dangerous to the health of the colon, as they not only leech nutrients from the body and destroy the permeability of the colon, they also emit harmful toxins that can further weaken the colon’s integrity. Here is a closer look at colon parasites and what you can do to repel these dangerous organisms.

List of 7 Common Colon Parasites

Giardia lamblia — Giardia are protozoan parasites that commonly infect humans via the consumption of contaminated food and water. This common colon parasite is commonly found in untreated water supplies, and therefore frequently infects travelers and hikers. If you are not sure of the quality of the drinking water, make sure to use a good water filter to purify it. Giardia is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis that causes diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, weight loss, greasy stools, and dehydration.
Toxoplasma gondii — The Toxoplasma parasite is another protozoan organism that can make its home in the colon. It is commonly found in cats and dogs and can be easily transmitted to humans by the handling of cats and/or their feces. It is also possible to become infected by breathing in the parasite’s eggs. Toxoplasma is responsible for the disease toxoplasmosis that can cause chills, fever, headaches and fatigue. If a pregnant woman contracts this condition, it can lead to serious birth defects such as blindness, mental retardation, and even miscarriage.

Roundworms — Roundworms are colon parasites in the Nematoda family. They are the most common intestinal parasite in the world, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Roundworms are also one of the largest parasites, as they can grow to up to thirty inches in length. These parasitic worms are found throughout the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas.

Humans can contract a roundworm infection by eating improperly cooked meat or by handling felines infested with parasites. Symptoms of a roundworm infection include loss of appetite, allergic reactions, coughing, abdominal pain, edema, sleep disorders, and weight loss. Children may present these symptoms as well as failure to thrive, nervousness, and colic.
Hookworms — Hookworms are able to penetrate the human skin. These colon parasites can enter the body through the feet in individuals that walk barefoot through contaminated areas. They can be found throughout the world in warm, moist tropical areas. A hookworm infection may cause symptoms such as itchy skin, blisters, nausea, dizziness, anorexia, and weight loss. Hookworms can live in the intestines for up to fifteen years!
Trichinella — The Trichinella parasite can cause a number of symptoms in the human body. It has been estimated that this parasite can mimic the symptoms of up to fifty different diseases! A Trichinella infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. Possible symptoms of infection include muscle soreness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, enlarged lymph glands, and extreme dehydration.
Tapeworms — Tapeworms are the largest colon parasites that are known to infect humans. There are numerous types of tapeworms, such as beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms, fish tapeworms, and dog tapeworms. These colon parasites can grow to several feet in length and live in the intestines for up to twenty five years. A tapeworm infection may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and appetite changes.

Flukes — Flukes, or Trematodas, are smallish flatworms that can directly penetrate the human skin when an individual is swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Fluke parasites can travel throughout the body, making their home in the liver, lungs, or the intestines. Symptoms of a fluke infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling.

Tips for Preventing Colon Parasites

There are a number of techniques that you can use to reduce your risk of a parasite infection. These include:

Wash Your Hands Frequently — Carefully washing you hands throughout the day can remove the parasites and parasitic eggs that you may have come in contact with. Be sure to wash you hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet, handling pets, cooking, or changing a baby’s diaper.
Thoroughly Cook Foods — Do not eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.
Know Your Water Source — Contaminated water is a frequent source of parasitic infection. Use filtered water for drinking or cooking if you do not know the source of you water supply, or if it is in any way questionable. And do not bathe in water that may be infested with parasites.
Keep Your Shoes On — Colon parasites can enter the body through the soles of the feet. So be sure to wear shoes, especially if you are in an area, such as a beach or park that may contain animal feces.
Wash & Peel all Fruits & Vegetables — Be sure to remove any parasites from fruits and vegetables by washing them before eating them.

Treatment Options for Parasites in the Colon

There are many things you can do to help treat harmful organisms living in your intestinal tract. First, you want to clean the intestinal tract of any excessive fecal matter that may be compacted and ultimately providing an optimal habitat for these parasites. Doing a colon cleanse or following a high fiber diet will help improve your digestive system.

Next, find a good herbal supplement that is formulated to help kill of any organisms that could be living in your colon. Here is a great set of instructions for doing a parasite cleanse. It is also recommended that you take probiotics during a cleanse. Probiotics will help introduce healthy bacteria back into the colon that may have been stripped during the cleansing process.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM